Today, Jan. 29, 2010, the OEHHA (California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office) filed a Notice of Intent to List DDE and Nitrobenzene
DDE, or 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (DDE), is a degradation by product of DDT, an insecticide that has an infamous reputation for a plethora of environmentally unfriendly side-effects. The thinning of egg shells in some birds of prey as a result of rampant DDT use in the last century is especially imbedded in our mainstream consciousness, thanks to Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.”
Nitrobenzene is used in a wide variety of industries, including rubber manufacture, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. It is readily absorbed through the skin and some of its deleterious effects include lung, kidney and central nervous system damage.
The OEHHA has determined that DDE and nitrobenzene each meet the criteria for listing as known to the State to cause reproductive toxicity under Proposition 65, based on EPA findings in 2008 and 2009.
The EPA report states that DDE is an anti-androgenic compound, meaning that it affects reproductive development in males. In other EPA reports, nitrobenzene exposure has been shown in medical studies to reduce sperm count and cause testicular atrophy, both resulting in loss of fertility in human males.
The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) intends to list the chemicals 1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) and nitrobenzene as known to the State to cause reproductive toxicity under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This action is being taken under the authoritative bodies listing mechanism.
Here are the relevant details on these two chemicals posted on the OEHHA website.
| Notice of Intent to List DDDE and Nitrobenzene | ||||
| Chemical | CAS No. | Endpoint | Reference | Chemical Use |
| 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (DDE) | 72-55-9 | Developmental, male reproductive | U.S. EPA (2008) | Environmental degradation product of DDT, an insecticide. |
| Nitrobenzene | 98-95-3 | Male reproductive | U.S. EPA (2009) | Used in the synthesis of other industrial chemicals and intermediates. Occurs in shoe and metal polishes and soaps. |
More information can be obtained at: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65
By JeanMarie Calvillo, Ph.D.
Safetec Regulatory Specialist
